War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

So, like I said in my introduction post, I will be featuring tween books on World War One this month. The book I have chosen for my first post is one of the most well-known children’s books describing the Great War and its impact on the people and animals who lived back then. If you enjoyed watching War Horse the movie and National Theatre production, then you will surely love the children’s book it was based on.

An illustrated wonder

Title: War Horse

Author: Michael Morpurgo

Illustrator: Rae Smith

Publication details: Egmont UK Limited; 2013

ISBN: 9781405267960

What this book is about: In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey’s courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer’s son he left behind. A powerful tale of war, redemption, and a hero’s journey.

My review: The book I read was an exquisitely illustrated version of the acclaimed novel by master storyteller Michael Morpurgo and award-winning artist Rae Smith, designer of the National Theatre production of War Horse. Each time I have read this story it has never failed to bring tears to my eyes. This version is by far the best as it’s quite bigger and every page has some amazing drawings which give this classic an extra element to it. Told uniquely from the horse Joey’s voice, we get to see life in rural England before World War One began and followed him from the battlefields of France, through No-Man’s Land and back home. For me, having watched the movie adaptation, I felt as it I was seeing it unfold with those actors in play. A fascinating and poignant novel told of a friendship between man and horse during one of the world’s toughest wars. Be prepared for tears!!